Technology

Telehealth can enable patients to get the care that they might otherwise skip. Particularly relevant in addiction treatment is the convenience factor for those who otherwise would travel long distances to see a provider.

Apple has announced that it is launching a feature that will allow consumers to see their medical records on their iPhones. It's a far-reaching platform, considering that in 2016 alone, Apple sold 211.88 million iPhones.

Telehealth has moved from burgeoning to mainstream and is seen as a viable model for behavioral healthcare. In fact, clinician shortages are catapulting adoption and use of telepsychiatry to address unmet needs.

Healthcare providers across behavioral and related disciplines have long seen licensure as a barrier to telehealth growth. Practitioners are seeking to not only develop their specialty niche but to make themselves available to more patients.

One of the largest referral sources for addiction treatment centers is the internet, and that channel could see some changes this year. It’s surprising that more healthcare leaders haven’t weighed in on net neutrality.